Will the moisture content in liquid sulfur affect its viscosity?
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This post was last edited by liaifeng on 2018-8-6 at 17:16. Does the presence of water in liquid sulfur affect its viscosity? Based on the operation of the pumps in my liquid sulfur handling system, it seems that the viscosity of the liquid sulfur has increased. However, the heat tracing temperature is maintained at 140–150°C; at such temperatures, the viscosity of liquid sulfur should not be high. Currently, I suspect there might be a leak in the heat tracing coils within the liquid sulfur tank. May I ask, does the presence of water in the liquid sulfur affect its viscosity, and if so, to what extent?
This post was last edited by DevilHandsome on 2017-12-15 at 10:08. Solid state (S8): 94.5°C; Monoclinic form (crystalline): 112.8°C. Easily flowable liquid state (S8): 160°C; Brown-colored liquid. At 190°C, it becomes a dark brown viscous substance (S8). At 444.5°C, it turns into a yellow gas (S6). Generally, solid sulfur exists in the form of S8, with a saddle-shaped structure, as shown in the figure. When sulfur is heated, its molecular structure changes. At 160°C, the ring structure of S8 begins to break down into open chains, resulting in an increase in viscosity. The viscosity reaches its maximum at 190°C; at this temperature, liquid sulfur appears brownish-red and is highly flowable. Above 190°C, the average length of the chains decreases, causing the viscosity to drop once again. Liquid sulfur exhibits optimal flowability between 130°C and 160°C; at 143°C, its viscosity is 7 centipoise. At 183°C, however, the viscosity rises to 9,000 centipoise. Therefore, the temperature for transporting liquid sulfur should be maintained between 130°C and 160°C. ① When sulfur is heated, its molecular structure undergoes changes. At 160°C, the cyclic structure of S8 breaks down into open chains, leading to increased viscosity. At 190°C, the viscosity peaks. Further heating causes these long chains to break apart, thereby reducing the viscosity once more. Between 130 and 160°C, liquid sulfur has the best fluidity. In sulfur vapor, the following equilibria exist: 3S8 === 4S6 === 12S2. As the temperature rises, the equilibrium gradually shifts to the right; when it approaches 760°C, almost all of it is converted into S2. ②Changes in physical state (appearance): Below 112.8°C, it is a yellow solid; between 112.8–250°C, it is a yellow flowing liquid; between 250–300°C, it is a dark brown viscous liquid; between 300–444.6°C, it is a dark brown flowing liquid; between 444.6–650°C, it is an orange-yellow gas; between 650–1000°C, it is a grass-colored gas; above 1000°C, it becomes a colorless gas.